Improved bib for feeding a baby

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a bib (1) for a baby, comprising a piece (2) of flexible fabric for protecting the chest of the baby and forming a cut-out space (10) for positioning at the front of the neck, and also comprising a crescent-shaped silicone collar (3) to be mounted in said cut-out space, said collar comprising an inner border (22) that extends beyond the fabric, inside the cut-out space.

The present invention relates to the field of childcare. In particular, it concerns an improved bib.

Bibs generally used for feeding babies comprise a panel, generally a piece of fabric, and a tie to attach the panel around the baby's neck. However, with this tie around the neck, the baby often has a sensation of choking; now, the tie is adjusted sufficiently tightly around the baby's neck to ensure the baby's protection. In addition to the discomfort for the baby, this choking sensation risks causing leaks when it regurgitates.

There are other types of bibs, but which have two tabs instead of a tie, each being positioned on one side of the baby's neck. These bibs are made of a plastic material sufficiently rigid for the tabs to ensure the attachment of the bib, without the need to be attached to each other behind the neck. However, due to the necessary rigidity, these bibs are uncomfortable and provide poor protection for the baby.

The purpose of the invention is to propose a bib that provides good impermeability around the neck of the baby while ensuring sufficient comfort.

To achieve this purpose, the invention proposes a bib, particularly for feeding a baby, comprising a piece of flexible fabric forming a panel to protect the torso of the baby, a neckline provided for the front of the baby's neck, and a croissant-shaped silicone collar, intended to be attached in the neckline and comprising an inner margin that protrudes from the fabric, inside the neckline. The inner margin can have a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.7 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.

The collar can further comprise an outer margin, intended to overlap with the piece of fabric. Said outer margin can have a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably about 1 mm.

The collar advantageously comprises a band attached to an edge of the neckline preferably by sewing, the inner margin extending along a first edge of the band and the outer margin extending along an opposite edge of the band.

The piece of fabric advantageously comprises two tabs extending upwards and forming with the neckline an opening, preferably substantially circular, in which to accommodate the neck therein.

The tabs can comprise respective free ends between which a free passage is formed.

The tabs can be symmetrical with each other, so that the passage extends axially and is positioned at the rear of the neck.

The tabs can also be asymmetrical with each other, a first tab extending substantially to one end of the collar, the second being longer than the first in such a way that the free end thereof is substantially facing the free end of the other tab, the passage extending laterally relative to the opening. This arrangement is more practical for putting the bib in place, when one is beside the baby.

Rather than leave a passage free, the tabs can comprise free ends intended to overlap, said ends preferably comprising reciprocal attachment means. Said reciprocal means of attachment are preferably selected from a snap, two magnets and a hook-and-loop complex.

In one embodiment with no tab, the bib can comprise two tubular sleeves extending on either side of the panel.

Several embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic flat view of a first embodiment for a bib according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic flat view of a second embodiment for a bib according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic flat view of a third embodiment for a bib according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic flat view of a fourth embodiment for a bib according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic flat view of a first embodiment for a collar capable of equipping the bibs of FIGS. 1 to 4; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic flat view of a second embodiment for a collar capable of equipping the bibs of FIGS. 1 to 4.

Each of FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrates a respective embodiment for a bib 1 according to the invention. The bibs are represented as when they are laid out on a flat surface. For convenience of the description, “up” refers to what is close to the top of the plate of drawings, and “down” refers to what is close to the bottom of the plate of drawings.

These bibs 1 are provided to protect the baby, and its clothing if it is dressed, while being fed. In these first three embodiments, each bib comprises a piece of fabric 2 and a silicon collar 3. The piece of fabric 2 is cut to form on the one hand a panel 4, and on the other hand means 6 to attach said panel around the neck of the baby. The panel 4 forms, at the top thereof, all or part of a neckline 10, intended to fit in front of the baby's neck.

The piece of fabric 2 is flexible. The term “fabric” should be taken in a broad sense. The piece can be toweling, oilcloth, in a woven or nonwoven “fabric” of plastic, organic material, paper.

In a first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the means of attachment comprise two tabs 6 extending upward as an extension of the lateral edges 7 of the panel 4. The tabs are symmetrical relative to each other, each having the shape of an arc of circle, so that between them they form with the neckline 10 of the panel 4 a circular opening 8 provided for the passage of the baby's neck. Each tab 6 has one free end 9. The respective free ends of the tabs face each other and form between them a free space 11 provided for insertion of the baby's neck into the opening 8.

The lateral edges 7 of the panel are substantially vertical. The panel 4 is bordered at the bottom by a substantially horizontal transverse lower edge 12 connected to each lateral edge by a connecting edge in the form of a quarter circle.

The same peripheral edge 14 enclosed upon itself borders all of the piece of fabric 2. Starting from the lower edge, the peripheral edge comprises successively: a first of the connections 13, a lateral edge 7, an outer edge of a first tab 6, an edge leading around the free end 9 of said first tab, an inner edge 16 of the opening 8, an edge leading around the free end 9 of the second tab, an outer edge of said second tab, the second lateral edge 7, and the second connector 13, thus closing onto the lower edge 12. The peripheral edge 14 adorned with a bias 17, i.e. a fabric ribbon sewn onto itself through the peripheral edge 14.

The collar 3 used in this first embodiment is more particularly illustrated in FIG. 5. It is shaped like a croissant, substantially semicircular.

It comprises:

-   -   a substantially circular central band 21;     -   an inner margin 22; and     -   an outer margin 23.

The band 21 is intended to be sewn with the inner edge 16 of the opening 8. The inner margin 22 extends along the band 21; it has a substantially constant width L22, measured perpendicular to the band 21, except at the ends 24 of the collar, where the width thereof decreases progressively. The outer margin 23 extends along the band 21; it has a substantially constant width L22 measured perpendicular to the band 21. The thickness

E22 of the inner margin 22 and the thickness E23 of the outer margin 23 are smaller than the thickness of the band, said thickness is being measured perpendicular to the plane of the figure. Preferably, the thickness E22 of the inner margin 22 is less than the thickness E23 of the outer margin 23.

The collar is attached to the bib, as illustrated in FIG. 1; it occupies the lower part of the opening 8, in the neckline 10 of the panel 4; the inner margin 22 protrudes into the opening 8 and the outer margin 23 is superimposed on the piece of fabric 2. Since the piece 2 is sown only onto the band 21, the margins 22, 23 are substantially free to take a shape adapted so as to form good impermeability with the baby's neck.

A second embodiment of a bib 1 according to the invention will now be described, with reference to FIG. 2, only in how it differs from the first embodiment.

In this second embodiment, a first tab 6A of the tube tabs 6 is truncated, in such a way that the free end thereof is substantially at the height of one corresponding end 24 of the collar 3. The other tab 6B is elongated, in such a way that the passage 11 is disposed laterally.

A third embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, differs from the first embodiment in that the lower edge, instead of being horizontal, has a pointed shape directed downwards.

A fourth embodiment of a bib 1 according to the invention will now be described, with reference to FIG. 4, only in how it differs from the first embodiment.

In this fourth embodiment, the bib 1 does not include tabs. It comprises two tubular sleeves 31 extending on either side of the panel 4, at the upper part thereof. The sleeves and the upper edge of the panel form a neckline 10 in which the collar 3 is attached. The neckline 10 and the collar have substantially the same size. The back of the bib 1 is completely open, in such a way that only the sleeves 31 keep the bib on the baby's throat.

In all of the embodiments just described, the collar is disposed in such a way that, in the position of use, it is in contact with the baby's neck. The collar adheres properly to the baby's skin, without an anxiety-producing sensation, i.e. it protects the baby from the sensation of choking. The collar 3 does not go around the neck because the choking sensation, like the swallowing movements, are at the front of the neck.

A second embodiment for a collar according to the invention will now be described, with reference to FIG. 6, only in how it differs from the embodiment previously described with reference to FIG. 5.

In this embodiment, the shape of the collar is substantially semi-elliptical, the large diameter being vertical, i.e. the shape of the collar, instead of being substantially circular as in the case of FIG. 5, is stretched vertically.

In the first embodiment of the collar, illustrated in FIG. 5, the dimensions are about:

-   -   outside diameter D21 of the band 21: 110 mm     -   inside diameter D22 of the inner margin 22: 80 mm     -   outside diameter D23 of the outer margin 23: 126 mm     -   width L22 of the inner margin: 11.5 mm     -   width L23 of the outer margin: 8 mm     -   thickness E22 of the inner margin: 0.4 mm     -   thickness E23 of the outer margin: 1.0 mm

where the diameters are measured horizontally between the ends 24 of the collar 3.

This first embodiment is more particularly suitable for babies from 0 two 6 months.

In the second embodiment of the collar, illustrated in FIG. 6, the dimensions are about:

-   -   outside diameter D21 of the band 21: 117 mm     -   inside diameter D22 of the inner margin 22: 87 mm     -   outside diameter D23 of the outer margin 23: 134 mm     -   width L22 of the inner margin: 11.5 mm     -   width L23 of the outer margin: 8 mm     -   thickness E22 of the inner margin: 0.4 mm     -   thickness E23 of the outer margin: 1.0 mm

where the diameters are measured horizontally between the ends 24 of the collar 3.

This second embodiment is more particularly suitable for babies from 5 months to one year.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments that have just been described, but on the contrary the invention is defined by the following claims.

Indeed, it will appear to the person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the teaching that has just been disclosed to him.

In bibs according to the invention, the impermeability of the bib is primarily ensured by the contact of the silicon collar with the skin of the baby. It is therefore unnecessary to tighten the bib around the neck. Thus, in the examples previously described, the bid is not attached around the neck. Nevertheless, it is possible to provide tabs that are long enough so that the free ends thereof can overlap behind the neck, said ends advantageously comprising respective engagement means such as a snap, two magnets or a hook-and-loop complex. 

1.-12. (canceled)
 13. A bib, particularly for feeding a baby, characterized in that it comprises: a piece of flexible fabric forming a panel to protect the torso of the baby, and a neckline intended to fit to the front of the baby's neck; and a silicon collar, in the shape of a croissant, intended to be attached in said neckline, said collar comprising an inner margin that protrudes from the fabric to the interior of said neckline, an outer margin, intended to overlap with the piece of fabric and, a band attached to one edge of the neckline, preferably by sewing, the inner margin extending along a first edge of said band and the outer margin extending along an opposite edge of said band.
 14. The bib according to claim 13, characterized in that the inner margin has a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.7 millimeter, preferably about 0.4 millimeter.
 15. The bib according to claim 13, characterized in that the outer margin has a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 millimeter, preferably about 1 millimeter.
 16. The bib according to claim 13, characterized in that the piece of fabric comprises two tabs extending upwards and forming with the neckline an opening, preferably substantially circular, in order to accommodate the neck therein.
 17. The bib according to claim 16, characterized in that the tabs comprise free ends that form a free passage there between.
 18. The bib according to claim 17, characterized in that the tabs are symmetrical with each other.
 19. The bib according to claim 17, characterized in that the tabs are asymmetrical with each other, a first tab extending substantially to one end of the collar, the second tab being longer than the first in such a way that the free end thereof is substantially facing the free end of the first tab, the passage extending laterally relative to the opening.
 20. The bib according to claim 18, characterized in that the tabs comprise free ends intended to overlap each other, said ends preferably comprising reciprocal means of attachment.
 21. The bib according to claim 20, characterized in that the reciprocal means of attachment are selected from a snap, two magnets and a hook-and-loop complex.
 22. The bib according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises two tubular sleeves extending at the upper part of the panel. 